Laser First Down Indicator Cart with 10 Yard Beam Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator devices for American football fields lack real-time accuracy in determining when a first down is achieved, as they do not provide a clear and reliable method for officials to measure the necessary yardage gain.
Innovation Solution
A cart with paired laser units spaced 10.0 yards apart, emitting location beams that are visible on the field when a team achieves a first down, combined with a display unit showing relevant indicia such as yards remaining, current down, and team position, allowing officials and players to track progress accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional indicator devices are used to determine first downs, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and real-time accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the first down determination function into multiple components: laser units for positioning, American footballs as visual indicators, and display units for information presentation. Each component handles a specific aspect of the measurement task, improving overall precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate elements (laser beams, illuminated American footballs, and digital displays) that mediate between the physical football position and the official's determination. These intermediaries provide clear, objective visual references that enhance measurement precision without requiring direct manual measurement.
2Illumination intensity
If no visual indication system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the information visibility and real-time tracking are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visible laser beams and illuminated American footballs that change appearance (become visible through illumination) to indicate first down positions. This optical approach provides high visibility for officials and players while avoiding complex mechanical or electronic indication mechanisms.
3Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but the real-time decision-making speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an electronic system comprising laser units, illuminated indicators, and display units. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual measurements and provides immediate visual feedback, significantly improving determination speed despite increased system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and visibility of determining first downs, enabling officials to make precise decisions and players to understand their positioning and yardage requirements in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of laser units is each of the laser units coupled to the cart. Each of the laser units emits a location beam outwardly onto the American football field.
Data Source
AI summary
A first down indicator assembly includes cart that is rollable along a sideline of an American football field. A pair of laser units is each of the laser units is coupled to the cart. Each of the laser units emits a location beam outwardly onto the American football field. The laser units are spaced 10.0 yards apart from each other thereby facilitating officials to determine when a first down is achieved by a football team. An American football visibly renders the location beam from a respective one of the laser units when a football team achieves the first down. A display unit is coupled to the cart thereby facilitating the display unit to be visible to players on the American football field. The display unit displays a variety of indicia for indicating information relating the American football.